Humagne BlancSwitzerland's alpine treasure with a zesty, floral personality

Humagne Blanc is a rare Swiss grape variety cultivated almost exclusively in the Valais canton, nestled in the dramatic alpine landscapes of southwestern Switzerland. Despite its name similarity to Humagne Rouge, DNA analysis has revealed they're completely unrelated varieties, making Humagne Blanc's lineage a delightful mystery for wine geeks.

This ancient grape nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century when easier-to-grow varieties became fashionable. Thanks to passionate local winemakers, it has experienced a small but significant revival since the 1980s. Today, it thrives in Valais's steep terraced vineyards, where the combination of high altitude, abundant sunshine, and cool mountain air creates the perfect conditions for this temperamental but rewarding variety to express its unique alpine character.

Humagne Blanc offers a distinctive aromatic profile with intense floral notes of acacia and elderflower, complemented by fresh citrus zest, green apple, and herbal nuances reminiscent of fennel or anise. On the palate, it delivers crisp acidity with a medium body and subtle mineral undertones that reflect its mountainous terroir.

The wine typically finishes with a pleasant saline quality and subtle bitterness, making it incredibly food-friendly. It pairs beautifully with traditional Swiss fondue and raclette, freshwater fish like trout or perch, asparagus dishes, and goat cheese salads. Its lively acidity also makes it an excellent companion for Asian cuisine, particularly Thai and Vietnamese dishes with herbaceous flavors.